THREE NEW WEST END RESTAURANTS
ST JOHN HOTEL
The brand new West End outpost of Smithfield’s most famous restaurant is a smart, bijoux haven of white-washed calm and simple culinary brilliance. Suckling pig for two with watercress and potato is an adventure in itself, snails and bacon are heavenly, while even tripe and onions has been winning fans. 1 Leicester St, WC2H 7BL
www.stjohnhotellondon.com
SPUNTINO
There seems to be no stopping the stratospheric trajectory of those behind Polpo, the popular Soho eatery serving Venetian style tapas – and good thing too. After opening Polpetto above the French House pub, Russell Norman has launched small plate, bar food-tastic Spuntino on Rupert Street. 61 Rupert Street, W1D 7PW. www.spuntino.co.uk
NOPI
Cosy, friendly, all-day dining brasserie from renowned Israeli chef Yotam Ottlongenghi, specialising in Middle Eastern and Asian flavours. It’s all about sharing plates, with dishes such as slow cooked pig cheek with celeriac, rose veal carpaccio and confit kingfish with artichoke, plus a heap of vegetarian options. 21-22 Warwick St, W1B 5NE. www.nopi-restaurant.com